Wonderful Wedding: Where to Get Hitched in Ottawa-Gatineau

Picturesque scenery all year round, no shortage of fascinating historical venues, and public spaces offering unrivaled views are only a few reasons why Canada’s capital city is such a popular place to say “I do.” Here are some noteworthy places in the Ottawa-Gatineau area to create everlasting memories of your wedding.

National Arts Centre
After more than $85 million US in renovations, the landmark National Arts Centre unveiled several new spaces offering stunning views of the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill. The most popular room, the 2,700-square-foot O’Born Room, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that will wow your guests any time of day – or year. For smaller wedding parties, consider the more intimate Lantern Room, which becomes illuminated at night thanks to the stunning digital artwork projected outside on transparent LED screens

Canadian Museum of History Grand Hall
Not only is the Grand Hall at the Canadian Museum of History a bright and impressive wedding venue with a six-story window overlooking the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill, but it’s also home to one of the world’s largest indoor collections of totem poles and an impressive tribute to First Nations history. With a built-in stage and permanently installed sound and lighting systems, you’ll never have to worry about the logistics.

Diefenbunker Museum
Imagine saying, “I do” in a real underground bunker that was designed in secrecy during the Cold War. The Diefenbunker Museum, a 100,000-square-foot labyrinth that doubles as the world’s largest escape room, is a truly unique option for history lovers who prefer to stay off the beaten path. In addition to pulling off a post-apocalyptic theme like no other, the Diefenbunker will also appeal to movie buffs – it was one of the filming locations for the 2002 espionage movie, The Sum of All Fears, starring Ben Affleck and Morgan Freeman.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum
If you’re looking for an unusual backdrop for your wedding photos, consider getting married amid vintage airplanes and rescue helicopters. The world-renowned aerospace collection of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum has been the setting of many weddings, where tall ceilings and hangar-like roofs afford plenty of space for guests to wander through the collection. Up to 400 guests can be accommodated in the Walkway of Time venue, distinctive for its collection of aircraft hanging from the ceiling, while the Cereal Barn and Three Sisters Hall are perfect for more casual, rustic affairs of around 100 guests.

Domaine Perrault Winery
If you’ve always wanted to have your wedding in the country, you don’t have to venture far from Ottawa to do it. Within an easy 25-minute drive east from downtown Ottawa, you’ll find the quiet, intimate Domaine Perrault Winery, surrounded by rolling green fields, romantic weeping willows, and, of course, wine! Up to 300 guests can be comfortably accommodated here for your special day.